Raymond Meza, a proven fighter for a more just America.

$11,435

This campaign was closed on April 13, 2017 and is no longer collecting donations.

Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 will mark the end of the federal government’s progressive march forward and the beginning of a fight for all Americans to protect the achievements of the past eight years.

We need a new type of voice in Washington. Voting the right way and saying the right things are no longer enough. I will refuse to compromise with Donald Trump as he attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and tear apart our communities. I will be a steadfast voice for our vision for a just country where the minimum wage is $15 dollars an hour, healthcare is universal, education is a right, immigrants of all colors and religions are valued members of our community, women’s reproductive rights are guaranteed, and we confront the serious impact of climate change.

I’m proud to announce my candidacy to represent the people of California’s 34th Congressional District. This community has raised me and three generations of my family. My nephews grow up in the same apartment I was raised in and everyday remind me of the importance of this fight.

Three short years ago I launched the Fight for $15 campaign in Los Angeles. By rejecting our broken economic system, marching in the street, and standing up for what is right, we grew our power and changed California. Now we must do that for our country and I have the experience and vision to lead this fight.

The 34th District needs a representative in Congress who is:

Deeply rooted in our community. I was born and raised in Montecito Heights, a neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles. I attended Mount Washington Elementary School, Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School, and the founding magnet class at John Marshall High School in Los Feliz. I came out of the closet during my freshman year in 2000 and this community accepted and supported me. Now it’s my turn to be a champion for the values my family, friends, and neighbors have shown me my entire life. My grandmother moved here from New Mexico seeking opportunity after the Great Depression and seventy years later I carry on that legacy to make our community and our country a more fair and just place for future generations.

A truly progressive leader. I’m proud to have built the infrastructure for the Fight for $15 campaign in Los Angeles. Together, we transformed the national narrative around income inequality and sparked a global movement. I am inspired by the courage of fast food workers who exposed a broken economic system and unleashed a wave of policy changes in California and across the country. From my time as a student organizer at UC Santa Barbara to fighting for workers today, I am deeply committed to advancing equality for people of color, women, workers, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, undocumented immigrants, veterans—for ALL Americans. I believe that we must advocate for each other in order to advance together.

A proven fighter for justice. A trained and successful student and labor organizer, I know how to build strong and successful movements and develop persuasive messages. I will be a candidate who can clearly articulate the values of our community: economic, social, racial, and environmental justice. I will work tirelessly to build a social movement within the halls of Congress to bring others onboard our vision for a just country.

A leader for a new generation. This is a time for young leaders with deep commitment to rise to this unprecedented fight and push us forward with fresh ideas and new perspectives. This is a time to challenge traditional thinking and develop new approaches to build progressive coalitions. Developing innovative campaigns for workers’ rights at a time of declining union membership has taught me that Americans are eager to support a progressive agenda rooted in fairness and equal opportunity for all.

So I ask you to join me in this campaign with your vote, your financial contributions, and your support. We need leaders like me – with deeper progressive convictions, a broader perspective, and a record of building successful social movements – to push back against reactionary and divisive Republican messages rooted in hate and fear. Together we can protect the communities integral to the fabric of this diverse district, preserve access to affordable healthcare, and get our country back on track toward a more progressive future.

“I support Raymond Meza because he would be a great benefit to the community.”

“Raymond has a fighting spirit and supports working families.”

“Raymond has always been willing to take a stand and clearly voice the needs and rights of his community. He was able to work directly with Administration and students around the country during his time as a University Student Leader, and I can see that since then his commitment to community rights has only grown. I have no doubt that he would continue to advocate for progressive policies in Washington and encourage everyone to support him in anyway they can.”

“Raymond is living proof of how wonderful this district is. He knows the potential in its future, the problems that must be addressed, the people that need to be supported, and will not let us down.”

“I've know Raymond since H.S during our cross country running days. Always friendly, competitive & very intelligent. He comes from humble beginnings like me and therefore knows first hand what changes need to take place to help those whose voices are being silenced. California needs more people like Raymond.”

“Raymond Meza is a proven fighter for justice. I trust him to go to Congress to fight for workers, BLM, immigration reform, women's rights, LGBTQQI rights, and our environment. I hope others are lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet him. He has so much to offer the 34th.”

“Raymond has a fighting spirit and supports working families.”

“Raymond has always been willing to take a stand and clearly voice the needs and rights of his community. He was able to work directly with Administration and students around the country during his time as a University Student Leader, and I can see that since then his commitment to community rights has only grown. I have no doubt that he would continue to advocate for progressive policies in Washington and encourage everyone to support him in anyway they can.”

“Raymond is living proof of how wonderful this district is. He knows the potential in its future, the problems that must be addressed, the people that need to be supported, and will not let us down.”

“I've know Raymond since H.S during our cross country running days. Always friendly, competitive & very intelligent. He comes from humble beginnings like me and therefore knows first hand what changes need to take place to help those whose voices are being silenced. California needs more people like Raymond.”

“Raymond Meza is a proven fighter for justice. I trust him to go to Congress to fight for workers, BLM, immigration reform, women's rights, LGBTQQI rights, and our environment. I hope others are lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet him. He has so much to offer the 34th.”

“I endorse Raymond Meza because he is a committed and thoughtful organizer.”

“I support Raymond because he's smart, practical, pragmatic, and principled. He won't back down and he will win others over to progressive policies.”

“Now more than ever, congress needs a fierce opponent of hate, corruption and greed. We need a courageous person who can organize effective resistance.
It should be the 34th district, the heart of Los Angeles, that leads that fight, and there is no better person for the job than Raymond Meza.”

“Throughout our friendship, Raymond has always demonstrated compassion and leadership for our community and others, from his progressive stance on immigration reform, to championing marriage equality, to his successful fight to increase the minimum wage with SEIU Local 721 in LA county! Ray's passion, commitment and energy is what we need in Congress today. #Meza2017”